As part of our continuing 25th Anniversary celebration the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) reveals the first of three seasonal / regional special edition logos. While the purple “Ridgeline” logo will anchor our new brand identity going forward, the upcoming special logo editions will reflect the diversity within the American trail running community.
Just like the changing seasons alter how we practice our sport throughout the year, trail running environments look different in different parts of the United States. From our home in Colorado Springs we can run trails into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, to heights over 14,000′ and with epic vistas spanning miles in every direction.
Travel a thousand or more miles from Colorado and a runner can find unique trails along our many shorelines from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans and from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes.
ATRA brand typology for trail running along America’s coasts created by Derek Friday
Here you will find coastal trail running.
To celebrate coastal trail running we’re introducing a special logo edition featuring white-capped waves across deep blue waters transitioning to slate blue sky. Peaking over the horizon, a rising yellow sun reminds us of the coming day and new opportunities.
Our new branding and logos were created by Boulder, Colorado-based Derek Friday. About our new branding Derek wrote: “Developing the branding for ATRA as been one of my favorite projects over this past few years. And as a designer and endurance athlete, I feel a deep connection to the all elements of the brand, imagining myself running along the coastal plains inspired by the power of the ocean. As a team, we collaboratively decided to develop a brand family that is inclusive to all types of runners and locations in which they enjoy our sport. The new coastal variation contains elements of the parent branding mark, while differentiating itself with form and color to represent the beautiful coastal trails of the United States.”
Here are just a few contributions from our community about trail running along coastal environments:
California
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park, California
In Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, author Wallace J. Nichols wrote:
“We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken.”
“So when I am running on the trails along the coast, I am suffering and hurting. But when I look out west to see the Pacific Ocean waters swelling and pounding against the shoreline, I feel more at peace in my mind and my body seems to heal. There is something beautifully hypnotic when running on the edge of land that touches the vastness of this liquid world.”
– George Rehmet, RRCA President
Rhode Island
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island
“No matter what the season, I love running on trails along Rhode Island’s coastline and experiencing the rugged beauty of the New England seashore.”
– Michael Scott, Chair, USATF Long Distance Running Division
Florida
Destin Beach Ultra Run, Florida
“I was afraid to try something different. I was always running for myself. It felt really good to raise money for fallen brothers and sisters. That day we all ran together. We were runners, military and civilian and part of the special operations family.”
– Sandy S., participant in the Destin Beach Ultra Runs, Destin, Florida
Texas
Sand Crab Nighttime Beach Run, Galveston, Texas
“There’s something very restorative and magical about running in nature, and here in Texas, one of our favorite off-road settings for running is the beach along the Gulf Coast at night. We have a series of races called the Sand Crab in three coastal cities (South Padre Island, Port Aransas and Galveston), with runners required to wear headlamps as they run on the beach at night. It’s an immersive experience that hits all the senses, with the sound of the ocean, the glow of the headlamps and the smell of the sea air.”
– Race Director Bill Gardner, Run In Texas
Coastal Trail Running – ATRA’s Spring 2021 special edition logo created by Derek Friday
Where are your favorite places run trails along America’s coasts? Let us know in the comments or send us a message. In the meantime, stay tuned for our next special seasonal / regional logo coming this Summer in celebration of our 25th anniversary.
